religious
When it happens
March
Marks the end of Ramadan; depends on the sighting of the moon, shifting ~11 days earlier each year. 2026: approximately Mar 20 (subject to moon sighting). Region: Nationwide.
The 'Festival of Breaking the Fast' ending the holy month of Ramadan, celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, charity (zakat) and family gatherings.
Established by Prophet Muhammad in Medina, it marks the end of the spiritual harvest of Ramadan. Fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is also believed that the holy Quran was first revealed to the Prophet during the final odd-numbered nights of Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr).
Devotees wake early, perform ritual bathing, apply perfume (Attar), eat dates or a sweet breakfast, and gather for congregational prayers. Worshippers embrace and exchange 'Eid Mubarak' greetings. Children receive cash gifts ('Eidi') from elders, homes are decorated with lights, and elaborate feasts featuring sweet vermicelli are shared.
Key specific rituals include 'Zakat al-Fitr' (obligatory charity given to the poor before the morning prayers), chanting the 'Eid Takbeer' en route to the prayer grounds, performing the special two-unit 'Eid Salah' in congregation, and distributing 'Eidi.'
The spiritual core is gratitude and purification. The discipline of Ramadan is believed to burn away past sins. Eid-ul-Fitr represents the pure state of a soul that has been purified, celebrated through joy, sharing, and the conscious letting go of past grudges and animosities.
First celebrated in 624 CE by Prophet Muhammad. In India, it has been celebrated with public splendor since the medieval era. Mughal emperors famously led grand processions from their fortresses to the central Eidgahs, combining courtly Persian-Arabic traditions with Indian culinary styles.
Prepare for a sensory experience of lights, sweet fragrances, and warm embraces. On the night before Eid, 'Chaand Raat,' the streets are alive with festive chaos as women buy glass bangles and apply henna, and street stalls fry delicious sweets. On Eid morning, a sacred hush falls over the city. At the grand Jama Masjid, you will see thousands of worshippers standing shoulder-to-shoulder, bowing in unified prayer, before turning to embrace in warm brotherhood. The rest of the day is a joyous, delicious blur of eating creamy 'Sheer Khurma,' receiving blessings, and visiting friends.
It is decided on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan based on the physical sighting of the new crescent moon. If the moon is sighted, Eid is celebrated the next day; if not, it is celebrated the day after.
It is a traditional Arabic greeting used by Muslims worldwide during Eid, which translates to 'Blessed Feast' or 'Have a blessed celebration.'
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Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Sikkim, Ladakh, and globally across Buddhist nations.
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Celebrated extensively across Northern, Western, and Central India, as well as by Hindu communities worldwide.
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The sacred Mahamaham Tank in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
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Celebrated at the Hemis Monastery, located 45 km southeast of Leh, Ladakh (high-altitude region in Northern India).
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Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and by migrant communities.
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Across Sikkim, with the absolute cultural and ritual centerpiece performed at the Tsuklakhang Royal Palace Monastery courtyard in Gangtok.
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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa (Velha Goa), Goa.
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Celebrated across India, with major historical celebrations in Pawapuri and Kundalpur (Bihar), the Dilwara Temples near Mount Abu (Rajasthan), and Palitana (Gujarat).
